"Theresa Linden has done it again with Roland West, Outcast. We meet the characters we've come to know and love, Roland, Peter, Caitlyn and others. When a new girl in town—and school—is the target of a hateful act, the Fire Starters are quick to help clean up the mess. Peter and Roland also try to find out who did it, but a shy Roland and a smitten Peter have to confront their fears along the way. In this story, Linden touches upon issues that are prevalent in our society, and she captures them with God's truth and compassion. Struggling as Christians in a world that is so focused on selfish desires, Outcast reminds us that we should always stand up for what's right, regardless of what the mass tries to push us to believe. Outcast is a fun, emotional roller-coaster, with realistic characters and a lot of suspense." ~ T. M. Gaouette, author of the Faith & Kung Fu series
“Roland West, Outcast is both entertaining and timely! Theresa Linden is at her best in capturing Roland’s shy reluctance and Peter’s awkward infatuation. A well-written book for Catholic teens that addresses the social pressure to kowtow to shifting notions of right and wrong (particularly in regard to same-sex attraction) is long overdue. If you’re ever been silent when you should’ve spoken up, if your beliefs have ever been mischaracterized or misunderstood, if you want to get along without compromising your conscience, then Roland West, Outcast is for you.” ~ Carolyn Astfalk, author of coming-of-age romance Rightfully Ours
“A courageous, compassionate (and, believe it or not, fun!) story about a topic many of us would prefer to ignore: Same-Sex Attraction and our duty as Catholics to stand up for God's immutable laws, even when to do so is painful. If you're a teen facing this situation, or know someone who is, you need to read this newest novel in Theresa Linden’s award-winning West Brothers Series. This story is difficult to put down and brilliant handling of a tough subject!” ~ Susan Peek, author of bestseller Saint Magnus the Last Viking
“This book runs parallel to many events in the book Standing Strong. But we see different aspects of those events. Roland is stuck in a hard place. He is reserved but is pushed to join a new group trying to counter intolerance. But soon he feels like any view but his is acceptable. Linden handles these elements in a masterful way. And they are questions and attitudes that could be taken from the headlines of almost any paper today. An excellent read for teens, and for us older folks that just love a great read!” ~ Steven R. McEvoy, Book Reviews & More
